2002: Dear Marc Belton, Foster your critics

Dear Marc,

You imparted all kinds of pearls of wisdom during our roughly 20 years together.  Your office door was always open and I knew I would leave with something to think about.

I simply wanted to be sure you knew of one encounter that really stuck.  Mentorship and sponsorship were both a way of life at our company- long valued, taught and practiced.  However, you were the first to encourage me to embrace and learn from my critics.  It seems obvious now, of course your critics can teach you, but it’s understandable that the kid glove delivery about your flaws from a mentor or dedicated boss is easier. 

Thanks for the encouragement to step into less comfortable conversations- respectful and spirited exchanges about difference or even disappointment.  A really good tradition at work, home, in communities… anywhere really to just simply try to be and do better.

In my own experience as a mentor, boss, friend and parent, I added a fourth leg of the stool.  Nurture your mentors, sponsors, critics and fans because life is long and hard and it’s great to have people who just cheer you on!   

From a lifelong fan of yours,

Ann Simonds

aka Annie Hoagland